Analysts forecast poor Easter

This year’s early Easter combined with the poor weather forecast and financially stretched consumers are likely to have a negative impact on retailers, predicted figures from SPSL show.

The firm has predicted that shopper numbers will be down by 5.2 per cent compared with Easter 2007.

Dr Tim Denison, retail psychologist for SPSL said retailers relying on the “traditional Easter boost” could be disappointed.

“A couple of key factors conspire against a busy fortnight (between Sunday 16th March and Saturday 29th March inclusive). Firstly, this is the earliest Easter for almost a century and the earlier it falls the smaller the boost to shopper numbers. Secondly, the weather outlook of predominantly wet weather will be another key depressant, if indeed the forecast is realised.”

Denison said a “long, hot summer” is needed to help lift consumer confidence and spending.

Easter falling in March this year compared to April last year has boosted performance in the total traditional toy market. Value increased by nine per cent while volume sales grew by a staggering 17 per cent with average price declining from £5.56 to £5.21.

The Copyrights Group is one of the licensing arms within The Vivendi Group. Acquired by Vivendi in 2016 Copyrights manages the licensing for a portfolio of properties to include Paddington Bear. Some of the other companies within the Vivendi Group include Universal Music Group, and their licensing arm Bravado, Gameloft and Studiocanal to name a few.